By Ebere Akuma
Solumkolia Breast Cancer Foundation has organised a free medical outreach for indigent residents of Obi Umudim, Nnewi, Anambra State, as part of its sustained efforts to promote community health and breast cancer awareness.
The outreach, held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, was themed “Hope, Health ,and Healing for Every Community” and conducted in honour of the Foundation’s Founder’s late father, Sir J.N.C. Obi.
Speaking with journalists during the event, the Founder of the Foundation, Ms. Solumkolia Obi, said: “The foundation was birthed as a result of my journey with stage three breast cancer”and her long-standing advocacy for free breast cancer care, which has spanned over seven years.
According to her, the Foundation initially relied on social media to spread awareness but later discovered that many of the people most in need of the information were not active online, making grassroots engagement more effective.
“This is the third medical outreach we have conducted. First it was held at Ebenezer Anglican Church Umunnealum ,Last year, it was held at Umuanuka Hall , Otolo, Nnewi and this year we moved it to Obi Umudim. The aim is to reach people who are unable or reluctant to visit hospitals, even when they are aware of underlying health conditions,” she said.
Ms. Obi disclosed that over 100beneficiaries received free medications, adding that the scope of the programme expanded this year to include malaria testing, blood pressure checks, eye screening and the distribution of 159 reading glasses.
On the growth and impact of the Foundation since inception, she noted that each year has recorded measurable improvement in services rendered, expressing gratitude for the progress achieved despite limited resources.
She also called on privileged individuals to support similar humanitarian initiatives, stressing that the Foundation is largely funded by herself, her siblings and a few relatives.
“One person cannot do it alone. When people with the means support foundations like this, our communities benefit directly,” she stated.
Mrs. Obi identified funding as the major challenge facing the Foundation, lamenting that many pledges of support often go unfulfilled. She therefore urged financially capable individuals in Nnewi to invest in initiatives that uplift local communities.
In her vote of thanks, she appreciated all those who supported the programme financially, morally and through professional services, praying for divine reward.
One of the physicians at the outreach, Maazi. Emenike Bennett, commended the Founder for using her resources to sustain lives, describing the initiative as impactful. He recalled that similar programmes were organised by the Foundation in 2023 at Ebenezer Anglican Church, Umunnealum, Umudim, and in 2024 at Umuanuka Hall, Otolo, Nnewi.
He advised Nigerians to embrace regular medical check-ups, noting that many deaths occur due to ignorance and late detection of health conditions. He also praised the Foundation for educating women on breast self-examination and the importance of early reporting of suspicious changes.
Contributing, the Chief Executive Officer, House of Olaedo ,Lady Adaobi Obi explained that the outreach was inspired by her sister-in-law’s survival from breast cancer, which she described as a testimony that continues to save lives.
“Her survival showed that breast cancer is not a death sentence if detected early. That experience birthed this Foundation and continues to drive our commitment to providing free medical care,” she said, urging the public to prioritize timely health checks.
Also speaking, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Obi, expressed joy over the initiative, praying for God’s continued guidance and provision for the Founder. She called on well-to-do individuals to remember the less privileged and support humanitarian causes that directly impact lives at the grassroots.
